The trail to Iceberg Lake is one the most beautiful we’ve ever hiked, and has easily made it onto our list of favorites. Located in the more remote Many Glacier area of East Glacier, it was everything we imagined Glacier National Park to be.
For our first full day of exploring Glacier National Park (we spent most of the previous day traveling up from Missoula with two of our best friends), we chose to hike the very highly recommended Iceberg Lake Trail.
After sleeping in a little, we excitedly began our drive to Many Glacier from our little cabin in East Glacier, but after just a few minutes we were distracted by the most gorgeous view of Lower Two Medicine Lake. Clouds were shrouding the continental divide, dropping some light rain, but the sun behind us was out in full, creating perfect rainbow from the base of Rising Wolf Mountain. It was one of the most picturesque moments we’ve ever experienced.
After being awestruck at the overlook for a little while, we continued our journey to the Iceberg Lake Trailhead. We pulled into the Swiftcurrent Motor Inn parking lot about an hour later. It was pretty busy but we managed to snag one the only open spot left at the trailhead lot (otherwise you have to park at the Inn and walk over). We put on our rain gear (it was already raining when we parked) and holstered our freshly purchased bear spray and headed off.
The first part of the trail is the steepest section as it climbs up the hill from the parking area, but once you get up on the flatter section the views begin to open up to Grinell Point, Mt Grinell and Swiftcurrent Mountain. The first 1.5 miles gave us a great sense of what was in store for us that week – tons of wildflowers, meadows, and commanding peaks. The clouds and lighting kept moving and shifting, so every hundred yards showed us something new.
At about 1.5 miles the trail enters a pine forest, so the views disappear but it was a nice change. It was peaceful without the wind and the smell of pine is always pleasant.
After another mile the trail winds around Ptarmigan Falls. It was tough to get a good frontal view of the falls because of the thick trees and steep terrain. There is a nice spot for a break above the falls next to the creek on some rocks. We took a moment to snap a few pictures of the clear flowing water before crossing the creek on a wooden bridge. The split with the Ptarmigan Pass trail is just a bit further, but that trail was closed this particular day due to Grizzly bear activity.
Just a bit further up, the trail once again emerges from the forest and imparts views of Mt. Wilbur, Iceberg Peak and the Ptarmigan Wall. The Ptarmigan Wall is some 1500 feet tall and nearly vertical. It dominates the valley and creates the cirque in which Iceberg lake sits.
Nearly to the lake we crossed paths with several Big Horn Sheep making their way up a snow field to the Ptarmigan wall.
As the trail began to crest out in elevation we started running into a little snow which would build into a good amount of snow closer to the lake. These pictures were taken July 1st of a heavy snow pack (150% of average) year. Once to the top of the last little hill we finally laid eyes on this beauty of an alpine lake. The lake sat in a tight bowl with shear cliffs all around. The color of the water is an indescribable blue and icebergs float in the lake the entire summer from glacial calving.
We got to soak in the scene for a little while, but the weather had other ideas. Some low clouds blew in over Iceberg Peak and dropped some freezing rain on us, but we stuck it out and managed to snap a few pictures between squalls.
The hike down was similar to going up: the clouds and lighting were changing constantly. When we hit the lower section of the trail the clouds lifted and we were able to see some of the peaks that were shrouded before.
We were wary of bears, but there were quite a few other people on the trail (not enough to deter us from every coming back). The Many Glacier area is apparently a haven for bears, though (the campground was just having a Grizzly Bear issue the day before).
Overall, Iceberg Lake was the easiest 10 miler we’ve ever done. Partly due to the trail being well graded and mostly dirt, and partly because the views were so epic and distracting. It was the perfect kick off to our Glacier National Park adventure. In fact, it’s easily made it onto our list of favorite hikes we’ve ever done!
